Six Days to Easter -- Day Two
Day 2 --Triumphant Tuesday
Hosanna!
John 12:13 gives us a visual description of Day 2 that we can put into action in our own lives. “So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.”
Among Christians, an absolute, according to Scripture, is the command to praise God. Differentiating between worship and praise, on the other hand, is many times misunderstood. Generally, worship in the Bible is spoken of as a matter of the heart. What is stored in our heart is manifested through our praise.
Every reference to praise in Scripture, from lifting hands, to clapping, playing instruments, singing, dancing, shouting, laughing, and joyful expressions, is always accompanied by a physical expression. Therefore, praise IS outward.
Worship in the Old Testament was described as a sweet savor unto God. Exodus 29:18 “... it is a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto the Lord.” We then move to the New Testament and see worship is no longer reserved for the physical temple, because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we are the temple. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Our worship gives God the honor due Him as an act of inward service.
Praise is physical. There is no way around it. Scripture portrays men and women of physical praise, not as immature, but rather as deeply mature and enriched. We should seek to challenge ourselves to step out in faith and express with our bodies our love for God. We should make sure our expressions are for the edifying of the church and that they spring from a wholehearted worship of Jesus, and not simply from emotion.
We praise God for what He’s done, we worship Him for who He is.
Tuesday’s Challenge — Beginning today, and continuing through the end of the week, intentionally spend at least 15 minutes worshiping and praising God. Turn on your favorite christian tunes and lift Him up!
John 12:13 gives us a visual description of Day 2 that we can put into action in our own lives. “So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.”
Among Christians, an absolute, according to Scripture, is the command to praise God. Differentiating between worship and praise, on the other hand, is many times misunderstood. Generally, worship in the Bible is spoken of as a matter of the heart. What is stored in our heart is manifested through our praise.
Every reference to praise in Scripture, from lifting hands, to clapping, playing instruments, singing, dancing, shouting, laughing, and joyful expressions, is always accompanied by a physical expression. Therefore, praise IS outward.
Worship in the Old Testament was described as a sweet savor unto God. Exodus 29:18 “... it is a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto the Lord.” We then move to the New Testament and see worship is no longer reserved for the physical temple, because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we are the temple. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Our worship gives God the honor due Him as an act of inward service.
Praise is physical. There is no way around it. Scripture portrays men and women of physical praise, not as immature, but rather as deeply mature and enriched. We should seek to challenge ourselves to step out in faith and express with our bodies our love for God. We should make sure our expressions are for the edifying of the church and that they spring from a wholehearted worship of Jesus, and not simply from emotion.
We praise God for what He’s done, we worship Him for who He is.
Tuesday’s Challenge — Beginning today, and continuing through the end of the week, intentionally spend at least 15 minutes worshiping and praising God. Turn on your favorite christian tunes and lift Him up!
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